GMO or ORGANIC
There are a lot of assumptions about Organic and GMO foods. Some believe that Organic are grown without chemicals, while GMOs are grown with it…. We will be highlighting some differences between Organic and GMOs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines GMOs as organisms whose genetic material—or DNA—has been altered or modified in some way that does not occur naturally. In most cases, genetic engineering works by transferring individual genes from one organism to another. Most commonly found in crops such as soybeans, corn and canola, GMOs are designed to provide a higher nutritional value to food, as well as protect crops against pests.
Organic foods, on the other hand, do not contain any pesticides, fertilizers, solvents or additives. According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), USDA-certified organic foods are grown and processed according to strict federal guidelines that cover everything from soil quality and pest control to animal raising practices. Similarly, organic livestock raised for meat, eggs and dairy products must be given organic feed, and cannot receive antibiotics, growth hormones or any animal by-products.
Why GMO?
Here are some of the reasons why some people go for GMOs
- Lower price point for consumers
- Lower production costs for farmers
- Greater durability and/or nutritional value for health benefits
- Increased resistance among crops to plant diseases caused by insects or viruses
- Tastier and more nutritious foods
- Increased supply of food with reduced costs and longer shelf life
- Medicinal foods that could be used as vaccines or other medicines
Why organic?
Here are the reasons why some choose organic products..
- No use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers
- No use of genetically engineered—or modified—organisms
- Healthier soil through organic farming practices such as crop rotation, pasture grazing and mulch
- Organic meats don’t contain any growth hormones
- Animals raised organically aren’t given any antibiotics
- Organic soil better conserves water, fosters biodiversity, combats erosion and mitigates climate change for significant environmental gains
So what are the shortcomings of GMOs and organic items? Common arguments against GMOs include the consumption of harmful bacteria and toxins, increased risk of allergic reaction and “outcrossing,” or the mixing of crops from conventional seeds with GM crops, which “may have an indirect effect on food safety and food security,” reports WHO.
Opponents of organic food argue that it’s significantly more expensive than GMO or non-GMO foods, has a shorter shelf life compared to GMO foods and may have higher bacteria levels due to limited pesticide and herbicide usage.
What is your own take….GMO or Organic?
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/amway/2019/12/19/whats-the-real-difference-between-organic-and-gmo/?sh=6bdc932e5346